The paper describes a critical peer review developed at Napier Polytechnic (NP) of Edinburgh, Scotland for the evaluation and monitoring of its courses. Illustrations of the system are based on the accounting courses offered by the Department of Accounting and Law. The paper first describes the creation of NP from an amalgamation of two colleges in 1974. Next, the development of the peer review system itself is outlined. The necessity of accountability and quality assurance became apparent when the numbers of students and courses increased. An explanation of how the system evolved is presented. The Boards of Studies reports which had little or no course critique led to the development of Faculty Sub-Committees, and to improved communication between the sub-committees and the Faculty Board and Course Co-Ordinators regarding the annual monitoring and evaluation of the faculty's courses. Finally, a critical appraisal of the professional studies approach is provided, as well as the impact it had on the polytechnic. Case studies from the Department of Accounting and Law are presented. This document contains an index, an appendix (Council for National Academic Awards reports), and five references. (GLR)